Use data to solve complex problems
Learn the tools and techniques to be a leader and pioneer in the field using data science to solve complex problems. Students in the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program are taught by world-class faculty with industry experience, collaborate on team capstone projects sponsored by corporate and government partners, and learn the importance of ethical and responsible data use to benefit society and the common good.
Hear Program Director Jon Kropko discuss the integrated curriculum and program format designed for busy working professionals.
Program benefits:
Curriculum
- Integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum built around hands-on, real-world learning — the same rigor and core curriculum as the residential MSDS program
- Live, synchronous evening classes via Zoom to accommodate the busy schedule of working professionals
- Foundational skills in data engineering, machine learning, statistics, ethics, computation, and domain-specific applications
- Industry-standard tools throughout the curriculum, including Python, R, SQL, pandas, Tidymodels, Tableau, PyTorch, TensorFlow, AWS Cloud Services, DBT, Snowflake, GitHub, and more (depending on term and elective choices)
- Team capstone project with an external partner to apply what you learned in the classroom and build a real data product from start to finish
- Faculty experts from across disciplines, industries, and departments
- Vibrant cohort experience fostering collaboration and network-building
Expert Faculty and Collaborative Learning
- Courses taught by faculty experts and practitioners across data science, computer science, statistics, ethics, and industry domains
- A vibrant cohort model that supports collaboration, networking, group projects, and peer learning across all terms
- Weekly live activities anchored in applied practice — coding assignments, labs, case studies, discussions, or interactive analyses
Academic and Professional Support
- 1:1 academic success coaching and advising throughout your program
- 1:1 personalized career coaching, including evening availability for working professionals
- Free virtual peer tutoring provided by MSDS alumni
- Access to weekly study groups to reinforce learning and build community
- Professional development funds to support conference travel, training, networking, and skill-building
- Weekly Career Corner Newsletter and Career Launchpad with job postings, employer spotlights, curated resources, and event announcements. Access Data Camp and virtual computing resources are free to you as a student.
- Connections with industry leaders and hiring companies
- University of Virginia network of 250K+ alumni worldwide
Tools, Technology, and Learning Resources
- Free student access to platforms you’ll use across the curriculum, including:
- DataCamp and LinkedIn Learning for supplemental upskilling
- Virtual computing resources such as Google Colab, UVA HPC (for LLM coursework), AWS Learner Labs, and cloud-based environments used in DS 5110 and DS 5111
- Programming environments such as RStudio/Positron, Jupyter Notebook, and MiKTeX (recommended)
- Experience with modern data and ML workflows including pipelines, deep learning environments, cloud computing, data ethics frameworks, and modern software engineering practices.
Health, Wellness, and Student Life
- Unlimited virtual counseling and psychiatry services with licensed clinicians in your state (TimelyCare)
- Support for students balancing academics with career, family, caregiving, deployment, or other life commitments
Career Outcomes and Professional Connections
- Exposure to industry leaders, hiring partners, and guest speakers across technology, finance, healthcare, public policy, consulting, and more
- Opportunities to build your professional portfolio through projects, deliverables, technical artifacts, and the capstone experience
- Membership in a global network of 250,000+ University of Virginia alumni, opening doors across industries and sectors
- Invitations to exclusive School of Data Science events that foster meaningful connections with alumni, industry partners, and the broader UVA data community
- Access to community-building events that bring students, alumni, and industry professionals together to expand networks and spark career opportunities
We're looking to craft a community of motivated scholars who:
- Are passionate about collaboratively solving the world’s challenges using data science
- Desire to apply their intellectual curiosity around data science to a broad range of compelling contexts
- Are ready to engage with a rigorous STEM curriculum
- Recognize the value of diverse perspectives and strive to build and contribute to our inclusive community
In just five semesters, you will learn essential data analytics topics like natural-language processing, machine learning, text analytics, and deep learning. The integrated curriculum combines hands-on learning with the application of sound data science principles, empowering you to solve real world problems and be a leader in the field.
MSDS students join us from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, including astronomy, biology, business, computer science, engineering, economics, journalism, languages, mathematics, nursing, public policy, and statistics, among many others. A strong quantitative background is expected, as well as effective communication skills and a problem-solving mindset.